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Winter's Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again

(2009, Non-Fiction - Animals, Written by Isabella Hatkoff, Juliana Hatkoff)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Inspirational story of a dolphin who beats the odds.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Kids will learn a bit about dolphins, from biology to social behavior, and how human trainers work with them. They’ll also learn about the challenges of designing prosthetic devices.
  • Messages:

    Winter wouldn’t have made it without the extraordinary efforts of a great many people. There’s much to appreciate here about community, connection, and overcoming obstacles.
  • Role models:

    From the fisherman who spotted a baby dolphin in trouble to the volunteers, researchers, and innovators who helped her survive and thrive, this story is full of people demonstrating compassion, responsibility, generosity, and ingenuity.
  • Illustrations:

    Serviceable photographs show researchers and trainers working with Winter, and how her prosthetic tail is constructed.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Mentions how the dolphin got stuck in a crab trap, but doesn't dwell on the injuries.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Winter's Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again

Parents need to know there is nothing of concern in this animal tale. It opens with a badly wounded dolphin caught in a crab trap, but doesn't dwell on the details of her injuries. The rest of the book focuses on positive developments in her rehabilitation. Families may want to go online after reading this book and check out the Scholastic Discussion Guide or take a 45-minute Virtual Field Trip to visit Winter.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about all the people who have helped Winter. Do you think she would have survived on her own?
  • Kids may have more questions about prosthetic devices. Talk about different types of prostheses, from George Washington’s dentures to modern prosthetic lower limbs that allow runners to compete. How do these devices make a difference in people’s lives?

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